CNIM Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials (BAEP)

Question 1

Which surgical procedure most commonly requires intraoperative BAEP monitoring?

Accepted Answer

Acoustic neuroma (vestibular schwannoma) resection

Answer

BAEP monitoring is most commonly used during acoustic neuroma resection to monitor auditory nerve and brainstem integrity during tumor removal.

Question 2

Wave V of the BAEP originates from which neural structure?

Accepted Answer

Lateral lemniscus and inferior colliculus

Answer

Wave V is generated by the lateral lemniscus and inferior colliculus junction and is the most robust and clinically important BAEP component for intraoperative monitoring.

Question 3

The standard acoustic stimulus used to elicit BAEPs intraoperatively is:

Accepted Answer

Broadband click stimulus

Answer

Broadband click stimuli are standard for BAEP elicitation because they activate a broad frequency range of cochlear hair cells simultaneously, producing reliable wave patterns.

Question 4

An increase in Wave V latency of more than 1 ms from baseline during posterior fossa surgery is considered:

Accepted Answer

A significant alarm criterion

Answer

An increase in Wave V latency of 1 ms or more from baseline is a widely accepted alarm criterion during posterior fossa surgery, indicating auditory pathway compromise.

Question 5

Which BAEP wave reflects activity at the level of the cochlear nerve (cranial nerve VIII)?

Accepted Answer

Wave I

Answer

Wave I of the BAEP is generated by the distal portion of cranial nerve VIII (cochlear nerve) near the cochlea and represents peripheral auditory nerve activity.

CNIM - Certification for Neurophysiological Intraoperative Monitoring Practice Test

CNIM - Certification for Neurophysiological Intraoperative Monitoring Practice Test

CNIM Brainstem Auditory Evoked Potentials (BAEP)